Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Dietes iridioides

African Iris, Fortnight Lily, Morea Iris, Wild Iris

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features sword-like, dark green leaves and produces dainty white flowers with yellow and violet markings from spring to summer. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant flowers in succession, providing a continuous display. This low-maintenance plant thrives in New Zealand gardens, tolerating drought, coastal conditions, and light frosts once established.

dietes-iridioides-2
dietes-iridioides-1

Dietes iridioides is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Dietes available.

explore them here

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Perennials
Height:70 cm
Spread:40 cm
Flowering time:Spring, Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses:Banks, Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles:Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asAfrican Iris, Fortnight Lily, Morea Iris, Wild Iris

What are the garden uses for Dietes iridioides in NZ?

Dietes iridioides is a much-loved evergreen perennial in NZ gardens. This amazing plant is commonly used in border plantings, planted beside water features, maintained in a container, added to a mixed planting, included in a tropical garden, or mass planted on banks. It is well suited to modern and tropical gardens as well as partially shaded areas. The lush foliage and gorgeous flowers afford wonderful contrasts and brightens a space. Little wonder Dietes iridioides is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.

Dietes iridioides for sale

The Plant Company has the best Dietes iridioides plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Dietes iridioides care

Dietes iridioides care is simply about getting a few easy things right so the plant thrives. They prefer a sheltered spot in full sun or part shade. A well-drained, fertile soil is crucial for success as heavy and wet soils can cause root rot issues. Adding organic matter like compost into the soil during planting will help with soil fertility. They prefer a dry soil but will benefit from watering during dry periods but be careful to avoid overwatering. Applying shrub fertiliser in spring will keep the plants well-fed for the year. Prune in autumn and winter to remove spent leaves. New leaves will emerge when conditions warm. Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Monitor for mealy bugs around the roots and treat as needed with a systemic insecticide or soil drench.

What does the Dietes iridioides iris need to grow well?

Dietes iridioides iris plants grow best when positioned in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of frost, coastal environments, and humid climates. Some wind protection is important to ensure the flowers are not damaged and encourage more prolific flowering.

What is the common name for Dietes iridioides?

The common names for Dietes iridioides include African iris, Fortnight lily, Morea iris, and Wild iris. "African iris" is the most common name for this plant.

What is the difference: Dietes grandiflora vs Dietes iridioides

Dietes grandiflora and Dietes iridioides are often confused, as they share a similar appearance. However, there are key differences that distinguish them. Dietes grandiflora has significantly larger flowers that last for several days. Dietes iridioides has smaller flowers that typically only last for 1-2 days. Dietes grandiflora has dark spots or brown markings at the base of its outer tepals (petal-like segments). Dietes iridioides lacks these dark spots; it primarily has yellow markings. Dietes grandiflora tends to be a larger plant, reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Dietes iridioides? We are here to help.

dietes-bicolor--3
Most Popular

Dietes bicolor

Dietes bicolor, commonly known as Yellow Wild Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to South Africa. It features sword-like...

From$16.32
Dietes grandiflora flower.
Most Popular

Dietes grandiflora

Dietes grandiflora, commonly called Fairy Iris, is prized for its sword‑like evergreen foliage and delicate white flowers marked with yellow and...

From$16.32
dietes-lemon-drops-1
Most Popular

Dietes Lemon Drops

Dietes Lemon Drops, commonly known as the Fortnight Lily or simply as an Iris, produces white flowers that have three distinct, yellow spots. These...

From$16.32
dietes-grandiflora-variegata-
Most Popular

Dietes grandiflora variegata

Dietes grandiflora variegata is a popular variety of Fairy Iris because of its eye-catching flowers. The showy flowers are white and marked with...

clivia-belgium-hybrid-2
Most Popular

Clivia Belgium Hybrid

Clivia Belgium Hybrid features clusters of large and showy, bright orange-red flowers borne on slender stems from winter through early spring. The...

From$23.77
colocasia-maui-gold-
Most Popular

Colocasia esculenta Maui Gold

Colocasia are herbaceous perennials renowned for their lush and interesting foliage. “Maui Gold” has large and glossy, light green-yellow leaves held...

From$38.67
salvia-la-siesta-
Most Popular

Salvia La Siesta

Salvia La Siesta is a variety of sage grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It produces long and slender, flower spikes...

From$26.75
canna-tropical-yellow-5
Most Popular

Canna Tropical Yellow

Canna Tropical Yellow features lush foliage coupled with impressive flowers. It carries large and glossy, dark green leaves which are held upright...

From$22.28

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews